After showing proof of vaccinations (within the last 12 months) we can meet at the house. To reduce stress levels any guests and our resident dog go for walkies. You can meet Ellie, ask any questions and your dog can sniff around the place and get to know us a little. I will send you a link to complete all of your details on Pet Sitter Plus as well as a vet form. You provide the emergency contact of someone local who could collect your dog in an emergency (very rare). Then we book a familiarisation trail for your dog before their 'holidays'.
As a licence condition, we offer a trail day or day/night. This reduces stress for the dogs main stay as they will know their way around and get to know us & Ada.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the sofa. We have even had dogs sleep on the bed with us (if this is what they are used to). We have a dog ramp/steps for dogs with mobility issues.
Having lots of dog experience, including our rescue dog Ada, we have lots of knowledge and understand dogs. We understand how scary it is to leave your dog with strangers. We have had various dogs who have stayed who are nervous and we pride ourselves in giving them time and space. We don't pressure dogs to all be in the same place straight away or force them to have strokes. Your dog's welfare is always top of our agenda and we would liaise with you (or your emergency contact) if we were very concerned.
If your dog is an upstairs sleeper, they can sleep upstairs. If your dog sleeps in their crate they will have a crate. We try to keep things 'normal' with their routine as much as possible to help them settle and feel safe. We have had dogs sleep on the bed with us before, if this is what they are used to. Ellie has even slept on the sofa with a dog that could not settle!
Yes we are able to take dogs who are not neutered however if repeat marking was to occur, we may have to consider your dog no longer coming. We are able to accept bitches who have not been spayed. Please be mindful if they were to come into season during a booking, they would need to leave as soon as possible, so do consider this with any booking. We try to be very careful with what dogs are mixing together and closely monitor for behavioural or welfare concerns.
Do let us know of any additional needs your dog may have. We are guided by the owner to ensure diet, exercise, medication is dealt with correctly and safely.
No! We always aim for a minimum of 2 walks (depending on your dogs needs or severe weather). We have puzzles, toys and a medium-sized garden for zoomies!
Yes. Ellie loves the 'golden oldies'. Our dog Ada is quite laid back and quite suited to older dogs. She would quite happily lay around a lot of the day with older dogs that want to snooze. Equally, she can want to mix and play with some dogs too.
Please note: We are unfortunately unable to accept dogs classed under the UK's Dangerous Dogs Act (such as XL bully's)
Our doggy was very well looked after at Ellie’s. She sent pictures so we could see he was enjoying himself and has made himself right at home at her house! Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ellie and will be using her again to look after him. Five stars!
by C
Ellie was fantastic with our dog from start to finish. She kept us updated with regular messages and photos, which really gave us peace of mind while we were away. Our dog was clearly happy, well carded for, and treated like part of the family. She had walks, playtime, and lots of attention. Communication was excellent and very friendly. We could not have asked for a better experience and will definitely book with Ellie again. Highly recommended!
by R
Murphy has an absolutely wonderful time at Braintree Canine retreat. Ellie has been so flexible and helpful. Murphy is always so excited to go and his tail will not stop wagging when I drop him off in the mornings. Ellie sends daily updates and photos and videos too which are lovely to see. Due to being a home with a small number of dogs allows lots of fun and games and attention too. Highly recommended
by M
Ellen made the whole experience easy and stress-free. Good communication and updates when Penny stayed with her. Penny enjoyed her stay.
by J
My pups stayed with Ellen recently after our sitter had cancelled. Ellen was really responsive and took them in last minute. Both my dogs are rescues and it was clear Ellen and her partner knew how to make them feel comfortable. Would definitely book again!
by L
Ziggy had an overnight stay with Ellen recently. Ellen was great from start to finish. We had a meet and greet with her dog to see how they would respond to each other and we filled in a form so she knew any necessary information about Ziggy like feeding and exercise habits.
It was clear Ellen is knowledgeable about dogs and she understood Ziggy's needs. During the stay, Ellen kept us updated with how Ziggy was doing and sent pictures. Ziggy sometimes gets a sensitive stomach, so Ellen also kindly gave us something to take away to help with that. Overall Ziggy had a great time and we would definitely recommend Ellen!
by S
Murphy had a great time at Ellen's. It certainly looked like he made himself completely at home in her house, judging by the pictures I was sent! It's nice to not have to worry about him when he is with Ellen! I wouldn't hesitate to have her look after him again.
by E
Ellen and her partner are always great with Nova. Long walks, lots of love and always keeps us informed which the kids love as Nova is there furry sibling. 100% recommend.
by N
This was the first time we had left our Cavapoochon Monty. Ellen was wonderful with updates and photos to set our minds at rest. On his first night he was a bit restless and Ellen stayed with him on the sofa till he fell asleep. We are so grateful and highly recommend Ellen. Thankyou xxx
by H
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